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Deceleration In Cyprus Residential Property Price Index

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) recently reported a deceleration in the Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) for Q1 2024. This trend highlights a noteworthy shift in the property market, attributed to a normalisation in demand coupled with increased supply and elevated interest rates. Such factors are pivotal in understanding the dynamics of the current real estate landscape in Cyprus.

Quarterly and Annual Trends

The RPPI, which tracks changes in property prices across flats and houses, increased by 1.6% in Q1 2024, following a 2.3% rise in the previous quarter. Specifically, house prices rose by 0.8%, while flat prices surged by 3.4%. On an annual basis, the RPPI saw a 7.8% increase compared to Q1 2023, with flat prices up by 13.9% and house prices by 4.7%.

District-Specific Changes

The deceleration was not uniform across Cyprus. Pafos and Famagusta districts experienced accelerated house price increases of 3.1% and 4.4% quarterly, and 11.2% and 11.8% annually, respectively. In contrast, Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca saw slower quarterly growth of 0.2%, 1.5%, and 2.2%, respectively, with annual increases of 4%, 9.2%, and 10.7%.

Flat prices exhibited a similar pattern. Quarterly, Nicosia recorded a 0.8% rise, Limassol 3.7%, Larnaca 4.3%, Pafos 3.5%, and Famagusta 10.7%. Annually, Limassol, Larnaca, and Famagusta showed significant increases of 16.5%, 18.1%, and 16.5%, while Nicosia and Pafos noted more moderate rises of 5.1% and 21.4%.

Economic Implications

This deceleration signals a potential shift towards a more balanced market. The combination of stabilised demand, increased supply, and the high cost of borrowing due to rising interest rates are crucial factors. Additionally, the minor reduction in construction material costs, despite remaining high, impacts overall market dynamics.

Looking Ahead

The CBC’s caution about future deceleration reflects broader economic concerns. As interest rates continue to rise, the affordability of mortgages may further influence demand. Additionally, the construction sector’s response to material costs will be critical in shaping future supply levels.

Bitcoin Surges 23% In A Week As Investor Optimism Returns

Bitcoin was on track for a weekly gain of around 23% on Friday as a series of positive macroeconomic and policy developments boosted investor sentiment.

The cryptocurrency was trading about 6% higher at roughly $77,000, up from around $62,800 at the start of the week. Crypto-related stocks also rallied, with Coinbase and Circle gaining more than 9%, while Strategy rose 7%.

Macro Factors Fuel Rally

Bitcoin’s latest surge began Wednesday after Treasury yields fell sharply following a major intervention by the U.S. Treasury in the bond market. Lower yields eased pressure on risk assets and helped trigger a broader move into cryptocurrencies.

The rally was further amplified by a major short squeeze. Around $2.7 billion in crypto short positions were liquidated, according to CoinGlass.

Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC, said the move reflected an alignment of macroeconomic and policy catalysts, including the Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated government debt.

Clarity Act Boosts Sentiment

Investor confidence improved further on Thursday as the White House and crypto industry leaders made a final push to advance the Clarity Act in the coming weeks.

The legislation is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for the crypto market, although its chances of passing remain relatively limited.

Despite the rally, bitcoin remains well below its 2026 high of $94,820 reached in January and its all-time high of $126,198, set last October.

Analysts See More Volatility Ahead

Lucy Gazmararian, founder and managing partner at Token Bay Capital, said the crypto market may be approaching the end of its bear cycle.

She expects bitcoin could experience one more decline of around 20% before the market turns, pointing to historical cycles and the recent liquidation of heavily leveraged short positions.

Gazmararian also described bitcoin as a long-term hedge against monetary debasement, while warning that its short-term price remains highly volatile and driven by market cycles.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
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